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Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Pacific International Executive Search Expands Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has appointed Beth Albright to its advisory board. “Beth Albright is an exceptional addition to our advisory board,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Her deep governance expertise, her track record of guiding organizations through IPOs, M&A integrations, and large-scale transformations, and her recognized leadership in human capital management
Asset Management’s Next Edge Is Organizational, Not Financial
Citrin Cooperman’s 2026 Asset Management Survey Report highlights an industry undergoing meaningful transition. Their survey of 300 senior leaders across private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, private credit, and funds of funds points to a market increasingly shaped by institutional capital, operational pressure, and changing investor expectations. What stands out most is not simply the economic uncertainty facing
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in a nationwide search for a new men’s lacrosse head coach. Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, is leading the assignment. The head coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Lacrosse program within the NCAA and Coastal Athletic Association, with an
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kreg Keesee as the new president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn led the assignment. “Kreg brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and turning strategy into action,” board chair Dwinelva Zackery said. “We are confident he is the right leader to
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
AI-Forward Leadership: Driving Strategy, Innovation, and Performance in the Digital Age
AI-forward leadership describes an approach that emphasizes the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into organizational strategy. It reflects a forward-looking mindset among leaders who understand AI’s transformative potential and use it to drive business outcomes. Such leaders are characterized by their willingness to embrace technology, their adaptability in evolving environments, and their commitment to
Chartwell Partners Assists Farm Credit Bank of Texas with CEO Search
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Blaut as the new CEO of Farm Credit Bank of Texas. He succeeds Amie Pala, who is retiring following a distinguished and impactful tenure with the organization. J. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search. “We were honored
Krauthamer & Associates Completes Search for Walker & Dunlop
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has placed Mark Washington as managing director of capital markets, multifamily investment sales, for Walker & Dunlop, Inc. “Our strategy is centered around patience and a long-term commitment to grow our multifamily investment sales platform with best-in-class talent,” said Kris Mikkelsen, executive vice president, co-head of capital markets at Walker &
Leathwaite Expands Global Legal, Risk and Compliance Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Regina Glocker as a partner in its New York office, further strengthening its global legal, risk and compliance practice. “Regina brings deep risk, investment banking and capital markets expertise to Leathwaite, alongside a strong track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes in complex, global environments,” said Hypatia
The New Engine of Executive Search: How Hunt Scanlon Is Powering a Productivity Revolution
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit last week began rolling out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability
What the Top 25 Percent of Search Firms Do Differently — And Why It’s Not About Sourcing
The performance gap between the highest-grossing executive search and recruiting firms and their peers is not primarily explained by market access, brand reputation, or the size of their candidate networks. According to new operational research from Recruiterflow — drawing on data from over 2,100 retained, contingent, and executive search firms — it comes down to
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CFO for Cleary University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Cleary University to lead in its search for a new CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Cleary recently rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave, and the plan presents an exciting opportunity for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education
Bauer Harris Fills Senior Post for PREMIER Bankcard
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has helped to recruit Teddi Burress as associate vice president of digital strategy and platform management at PREMIER Bankcard. “Congratulations to Teddi Burress on her new role as AVP of digital strategy & platform management at PREMIER Bankcard,” Bauer Harris said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re excited for Teddi as
Brettschneider Executive Search Appoints Senior Partner
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Joanne DeStefano as senior partner. “This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start to finish by seasoned executives,” Brettschneider Executive Search said in a release. “DeStefano will play a pivotal role
Human Capital Enters a New Operating Era
Deloitte’s latest 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report makes one point clear: organizations are moving beyond traditional workforce models toward more fluid, capability-driven systems. Work is increasingly decomposed into tasks, projects, and outcomes rather than fixed roles, forcing companies to rethink how talent is structured and deployed. At the same time, leaders are balancing two competing forces.
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Edify
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Rudder as the new CEO of Edify. The search was led by Chris Hornsby, Kevin Ung, and Jodi Delikat. “This appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues its mission to improve and expand sustainable Christ-centered education globally,” Edify said. The search
SPMB Recruits Chief Information Officer for AstraZeneca
SPMB Executive Search has placed Chris Taylor as chief information officer of AstraZeneca. Managing partner Mike Doonan, partner Radley Meyers, and associate Fiona Gleeson led the assignment. “Some searches carry a different kind of weight,” Mr. Doonan said in a LinkedIn post. “Helping place technology leaders advancing cancer care is one of them. We’re grateful to have supported
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Community Shelter Board for CFO Search
BroadView Talent Partners has been selected by CSB (Community Shelter Board) to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Christie Angel, Steven Hatchett, Marshawna Williams, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CFO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team at CSB responsible for leading the organization’s financial strategy. This leader provides strategic
DHR Global Names Partner in the Washington, D.C. Region
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Jessica Bayer as managing partner, Washington, D.C. In this role, she will lead the firm’s continued growth and market presence in the Washington, D.C. region, while maintaining her responsibilities as managing partner of the corporate affairs & communications practice. “Washington, D.C. is a uniquely complex market where corporate affairs, communications, and policy
Inside the Evolving Role of HR Leadership
As organizations scale and evolve, building the right HR leadership structure becomes a critical driver of performance and long-term success. Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment. Increasingly, leaders are recognizing that effective HR is not about headcount ratios, but about aligning
TM² Executive Search Retained by Lumina Foundation and Southern University to Fill Senior Roles
TM² Executive Search (TM²),the executive search firm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), was recently awarded a grant from Lumina Foundation to launch a board governance excellence initiative. “HBCUs have long deserved this level of targeted investment in their governance capacity,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “TM²’s work will generate
Buffkin / Baker Seeking 11th President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker is currently assisting Valdosta State University (VSU) in its search for its 11th president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. President must provide transformational leadership that brings clarity, confidence and momentum to the university’s next chapter. This role begins with the ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision
Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Justin Zale as a partner in its New York and Stamford offices, where he will lead the firm’s global real estate practice. “Justin brings a deeply strategic perspective on talent, honed through his combined experiences as a real estate operator and global advisor,” said George Craft, who leads Spencer Stuart’s global financial
Alexander Hughes Appoints Managing Partner U.K and Ireland
Alexander Hughes has expanded with the addition of Richard Ingram as managing partner U.K. and Ireland. In his new position, he will lead the firm’s activities across the U.K. and Ireland, supporting strategic growth and strengthening client partnerships across key sectors. With over three decades of international executive search experience, Mr. Ingram has built a track
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
Beyond the Resume: Assessing Future-Proof Leadership in Executive Search
Executive search is no longer just about matching credentials to a job description. As industries undergo rapid transformation, organizations are placing greater emphasis on identifying leaders who can navigate uncertainty, drive change, and create long-term value. Traditional markers of success—titles, tenure, and technical expertise—are increasingly insufficient on their own. In this environment, hiring decisions are
TurnkeyZRG Assists UNC Recruit New Men’s Head Basketball Coach
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of 24-year NBA coaching veteran Michael Malone as the new men’s head basketball coach for the University of North Carolina (UNC). “Michael was the first coach we engaged with as part of the search process because of his reputation as a selfless teacher and innovator who brings an incredible ability to
Lancer Group Fills Senior Role for Empower Pharmacy
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has placed Suzanne Farhoud as vice president, chief of staff of Empower Pharmacy, a vertically integrated compounding pharmacy focused on delivering personalized, affordable medications directly to patients and providers at scale. As it moves into its next phase, the focus shifts from growth to how that growth is managed, with
Caldwell Adds Partner in Dubai
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has added Domenic Falzarano as a partner in the firm’s consumer practice. Based in Dubai, his appointment strengthens Caldwell’s capabilities across the consumer, events, entertainment, sports, and tourism sectors in the Middle East. “We’re delighted to welcome Domenic to Caldwell,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His nearly two decades of experience in the Middle East, coupled
HelloSky Bringing AI Into the Core Workflows of Executive Search Firms
Artificial intelligence is entering executive search at a time when the pace and expectations of the work are already shifting. For many firms, the introduction of new tools naturally raises questions about how established workflows and practices will evolve. Search has traditionally relied on a blend of experience, process, and individual approach, which can make
The Tolan Group Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health Solutions
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Howard Weeks as chief medical officer of Behavioral Health Solutions in Henderson, NV. Dr. Weeks brings more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health leadership, clinical operations, and healthcare system strategy. Prior to joining Behavioral Health Solutions, he served as chief medical officer at Eating Recovery Center and
SearchWide Global Seeking President for the Music City Center
SearchWide Global has been retained by the Music City Center (MCC) to lead in its search for a new president. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic is leading the assignment. The president is the senior executive responsible for the operational excellence, cultural leadership, and long-term performance of Nashville’s signature convention facility. Reporting directly to the CEO of the
Fairway Consulting Group Appoints VP
New York City-based executive search firm Fairway Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of Dan Strauss as vice president and client partner. “Strauss’s experience, industry relationships, and proven ability to partner with life sciences organizations make him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Dan Gold, president of Fairway Consulting Group. “Fairway is committed to delivering
The Keys to Hiring AI Advisory Partners
The idea that software has reshaped every industry is no longer a bold prediction—it’s a baseline assumption, and now artificial intelligence is accelerating that shift even further. A new report from CipherStone Partners’ Robin Abraham and Joel Richard asks: What does today’s ground-shifting moment mean for those advising the world’s top business and political leaders
AGB Search Recruits CHRO for the University of Colorado System
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Tony Gherardini as new vice president / chief human resources officer at the University of Colorado System (CU). Roderick McDavis and Margaret Plympton led the assignment. “We are thrilled Tony is joining our team,” said CU president Todd Saliman. “He has a long track record as
Brettschneider Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for the Carter Burden Network
Following a comprehensive national search, New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Joy Salvador as the new executive director of the Carter Burden Network. “Joy Salvador represents the very best of Carter Burden Network’s values,” said the board of directors. “Her leadership reflects our promise to always go above—and to ensure that
